Machine for processing articles, control device, and diagnostic method applied to such a machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for processing cigarettes, a control device, and a diagnostic method applied to such a machine; the machine has a number of housings oriented crosswise to a feed path and each having at least two respective elongated seats; during each operating cycle, each seat picks up a respective cigarette at an input station, releases the cigarette at an output station, and returns to the input station along a return path; a proximity sensor determines the position of the seats, and emits a recording signal which is processed and compared with reference data to determine a possible fault.

The present invention relates to a machine for processing articles, acontrol device, and a diagnostic method applied to such a machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More specifically, the present invention relates to a machine forprocessing articles and comprising a transfer device, which feeds thearticles along a feed path from an input station to an output station,and comprises at least one seat and at least one operating component formoving the seat. During each operating cycle, the seat picks up arespective article at the input station, releases the article at theoutput station, and returns to the input station along a return path.

In known machines of the above type, it is relatively essential that theseat assume a precise position at the input and output stations toprevent the article from being damaged or even lost as it is picked upor released by the seat.

At present, faults on the transfer device resulting in incorrectpositioning of the seats at the input and/or output station areextremely difficult and slow to determine. This, combined with the highoperating speeds of modern machines for processing articles, thereforeresults in a relatively large number of rejects downstream from thetransfer device and, consequently, in increased production costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine forprocessing articles and a diagnostic method, which are designed toeliminate the aforementioned drawbacks, and which, in particular, arecheap and easy to implement.

According to the present invention, there is provided a diagnosticmethod as claimed in the attached Claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a machine forprocessing articles, as claimed in the attached Claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided a control deviceas claimed in the attached Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A number of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a machine for processingarticles, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the FIG. 1 machine in a first operatingposition;

FIG. 3 shows the FIG. 2 detail in a further operating position;

FIG. 4 shows a reference curve and a recorded signal test curve; the xaxis shows the machine angles, and the y axis the intensity of thesignal;

FIG. 5 shows a time graph of test data and/or comparison data;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view in perspective of a further embodiment ofthe FIG. 1 machine;

FIG. 7 shows a larger-scale detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a reference signal test curve; the x axis shows the machineangles, and the y axis the intensity of the signal;

FIG. 9 shows a recorded signal test curve; the x axis shows the machineangles, and the y axis the intensity of the signal;

FIGS. 10-12 show a detail of the FIG. 6 machine in successive operatingpositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Number 1 in FIG. 1 indicates as a whole a machine for processingcylindrical tobacco articles, in particular cigarettes 2. The machinecomprises a feed conveyor 3 for feeding cigarettes 2 to an input station4; a transfer device 5 for transferring cigarettes 2 from input station4 to an output station 6 along a feed path P1; and a conveyor wheel 7for receiving cigarettes 2 from transfer device 5 at output station 6.

Transfer device 5 comprises a conveyor roller 8, which rotates about arespective horizontal axis of rotation 9 and has a number of peripheralhousings 10 equally spaced about axis 9 and each comprising twoelongated, substantially coaxial seats 11 and 11′, each having anexternally concave surface with suction nozzles. Roller 8 comprises anoperating unit 12 (shown partly) for moving seats 11 and 11′longitudinally and parallel to axis 9, and which comprises a number ofrods 12′. Each rod 12′ supports a respective seat 11 and 11′, and slideslongitudinally in a direction parallel to axis 9.

In the tobacco industry, transfer device 5 is normally used to part twocigarettes 2 just formed by transversely cutting a double cigarette (notshown).

In actual use, when a housing 10 a, comprising two seats 11 a and 11′a,is located at input station 4, the two seats 11 a and 11′a receiverespective cigarettes 2 positioned with the respective filter endsfacing. At this point, as roller 8 rotates about axis 9 and housing 10 atravels along path P1, seats 11 a and 11′a are parted axially andparallel to axis 9 (FIG. 2) until they reach output station 6, wherecigarettes 2 are released onto conveyor wheel 7. As housing 10 a returnsto input station 4 along a return path P2, the two seats 11 a and 11 aare brought back together again (FIG. 3).

Machine 1 also comprises a control device 13 for ensuring seats 11, 11′are positioned correctly along feed and return paths P1 and P2. Controldevice 13 comprises two proximity sensors 14, 14′, each for emitting arecording signal S relative to the position of a respective seat 11, 11′of each housing 10; and a computer 15 connected to sensors 14, 14′ andfor comparing recording signal S with a reference data item DR to obtainat least one comparison data item DC from which to determine a fault onoperating unit 12.

In the present description, the term “fault” is intended to mean anoperating condition which is already causing production problems, e.g. arelatively high percentage of reject cigarettes, or a condition which,if not corrected, would presumably result in production problems.

As described herein, reference data item DR may comprise one or moreelements, e.g. may be a single value or a matrix of values. Similarly,comparison data item DC may comprise one or more elements, e.g. may be asingle value or a matrix of values.

Computer 15 may acquire a recorded data item as a function of recordingsignal S and subtract the recorded data item from a reference data itemDR value to obtain a comparison data item DC value; and, in the eventthe comparison data item DC value exceeds a given threshold value,control device 13 informs the user of the fault by means of acousticand/or visual signals and/or stops machine 1.

With reference to one seat 11 a, in actual use, proximity sensor 14emits a signal Sa every time seat 11 a travels past sensor 14. Signal Sahas a peak PR indicating the minimum distance between seat 11 a andproximity sensor 14, and which has a respective recorded height h, and aminimum machine angle AM corresponding to the instant in which peak PRis recorded. Computer 15 preferably processes signal Sa from sensor 14to obtain a response curve C1 (shown in FIG. 4) indicating distancesbetween seat 11 a and sensor 14 as a function of machine angles oftransfer device 5.

More specifically, given the externally concave surface of seat 11 a,curve C1 is substantially W-shaped, and has peak PR and a groove GR,which indicates the maximum distance between the seat and the sensor,and which has a respective recorded height h′.

In the present description, the term “machine angle” is intended to meana given point in an operating cycle at which transfer device 5 assumes agiven operating configuration typical of that point. If transfer device5 is operated at constant speed, the same machine angles of successiveoperating cycles follow one another at constant time intervals of aduration equal to the duration of one operating cycle.

In some embodiments, peak PR is compared with reference data item DR toobtain comparison data item DC. In particular, recorded height h may becompared with reference data item DR to determine the correct radialposition of seat 11 a with respect to axis 9; and minimum machine angleAM may be compared with reference data item DR to determine the correctangular position of seat 11 a with respect to axis 9.

Alternatively or in addition, reference data item DR comprises areference curve C2; and computer 15 compares response curve C1 withreference curve C2 to obtain comparison data item DC comprisinginformation relating to the angular and radial position of seat 11 awith respect to axis 9.

Alternatively or in addition, computer 15 determines a neighbourhood ofpeak PR having a given area A, and identifies a mid-line M of area A(i.e. a line dividing area A into two portions of equal area) having aconstant minimum machine angle T1, which is compared with reference dataitem DR (e.g. the machine angle of a mid-line of curve C2) to obtaincomparison data item DC comprising information relative to the angularposition of seat 11 a with respect to axis 9.

Alternatively or in addition, computer 15 determines the recorded heighth′ of groove GR; and recorded height h′ is compared with reference dataitem DR to obtain comparison data item DC comprising informationrelative to the radial position of seat 11 a with respect to axis 9.

In a further embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above,curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, mid-line M, machineangle T1, recorded height h and/or recorded height h′ are calculated bycomputer 15 on the basis of the mean of a number of signals Sa emittedby sensor 14 during successive operating cycles.

It should be pointed out that, in the present description, theoperations referred to as being performed by computer 15 on recordingsignals S (e.g. comparisons, mean calculations, and time patterns) areintended as being performed directly on recording signals S or on theprocessing (acquired data) of recording signals S.

Alternatively or in addition, during each operating cycle, computer 15compares curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, mid-line M,machine angle T1, recorded height h and/or recorded height h, withreference data item DR to obtain a number of comparison data items DC,each relating to a respective operating cycle; and computer 15determines and employs a mean of said comparison data items DC toidentify a possible machine fault.

In a further embodiment, in addition to or instead of the aboveembodiments, one or more test curves are determined by which toextrapolate the time pattern of at least one of the following dataitems: curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, mid-line M,machine angle T1, recorded height h, recorded height h′ (i.e. therecorded data) and/or comparison data item DC. Maintenance work isprogrammed as a function of the instants in which one or more testcurves intersect respective reference curves of reference data item DR.More specifically, maintenance may be programmed at the exact instant inwhich a test curve intersects the respective reference curve, or at agiven time interval before or after the instant in which a test curveintersects the respective reference curve.

Purely by way of example, FIG. 5 shows a test curve, in which time isshown along the y axis, and the x axis shows at least one of thefollowing data items: curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM,mid-line M, machine angle T1, recorded height h, recorded height h′and/or comparison data item DC. K and R in FIG. 5 indicate a test curveand reference curve respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5, test curves K are preferably linear, and referencecurves R preferably each define a respective constant value.

By comparing at least one of recorded data items C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1,h and h′ with reference data item DR and so determining comparison dataitem DC, any incorrect positioning of seat 11 a along paths P1 and P2,and therefore at input and output stations 4 and 6, can be determinedquickly and easily.

It should be pointed out that the particular combination of componentparts of control device 13 provides for programming maintenance tocorrect the fault in such a way as to prolong operation of machine 1 aslong as possible before the fault can pose production problems ontransfer device 5.

In particular, this is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner bydetermining the time pattern of recording signals S, comparison dataitems DC and/or mean values thereof.

Computer 15 processes the signal from sensor 14′ in the same way asrecording signal Sa from sensor 14, to preferably obtain at least one ofthe following recorded data items: curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machineangle AM, mid-line M, machine angle T1, recorded height h, recordedheight h′.

In further embodiments, in addition to or instead of the aboveembodiments, at least one recorded data item C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, hand h′ relative to a signal emitted by sensor 14′ forms part ofreference data item DR. In which case, at least one of recorded dataitems C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h′ relative to the signal emitted bysensor 14 is therefore compared with at least one of the correspondingrecorded data items C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h′ relative to thesignal emitted by sensor 14′, in addition to or instead of given dataitems forming part of reference data item DR.

The term “given data items” is intended to mean data items relative toan ideal position of seat 11 a with respect to axis 9.

In this way, a double check is made of the correct position of seat 11a: with respect to its own ideal position, and with respect to theposition of seat 11′a. In this connection, it is important to stressthat, for cigarettes 2 to be transferred correctly at input station 4and output station 6, seats 11 a and 11′a must be positioned correctlyboth with respect to each other and with respect to their idealpositions.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of machine 1 for processing cigarettes2, and in which any parts similar to those in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 areindicated using the same reference numbers.

Machine 1 in FIG. 6 mainly differs from machine 1 in FIG. 1 as regardsthe following.

Seats 11 and 11′ are not movable axially and parallel to axis 9 withrespect to one another. More specifically, seats 11′ are connectedintegrally to conveyor roller 8; and operating unit 12 moves seats 11radially with respect to axis 9, and rotates seats 11 about respectiveaxes 16 substantially crosswise to axis 9.

Transfer device 5 in FIG. 6 is normally used to re-orient some ofcigarettes 2, so that the filters of all of cigarettes 2 are located onthe same side.

In actual use, when a housing 10, comprising two seats 11 and 11′, islocated at input station 4, the two seats 11 and 11′ are substantiallycoaxial with each other, and each receive a respective cigarette 2. Atthis point, as roller 8 rotates about axis 9 and housing 10 travelsalong a feed path P1, seat 11 moves radially with respect to and awayfrom axis 9, and then rotates about axis 16 into a position parallel torespective seat 11′. At output station 6, cigarettes 2, arranged in twoswith their filters side by side in seats 11 and 11′, are unloaded ontoconveyor wheel 7. As housing 10 returns to input station 4 along areturn path P2, seat 11 repeats in reverse the same movements performedalong feed path P1, so that it is once more positioned coaxially withseat 11′ by the time housing 10 reaches input station 4.

Machine 1 in FIG. 6 also comprises a control device 13′ substantiallyidentical, structurally and functionally, to control device 13.

Control device 13′ differs from control device 13 by having only oneproximity sensor 14 located along return path P2 at input station 4.Location of sensor 14 at input station 4 provides for determining, to arelatively high degree of precision, whether seat 11 is restored to aposition substantially coaxial with seat 11′.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in actual use, sensor 14 emitsrecording signal S as a seat 11 travels past sensor 14; signal S isprocessed by computer 15 to obtain curve C1; and, at this point, themachine angle of peak PR and the value of height h of peak PR areobtained and compared with reference data item DR. More specifically,the difference between the machine angle of peak PR and a referencemachine angle is determined; and, when the difference between themachine angle of peak PR and the reference machine angle is above (orbelow) a given threshold value, control device 13′ emits an error signalindicating a fault relative to incorrect rotation of seat 11 about axis16. Similarly, computer 15 subtracts the value of height h of peak PRfrom a reference height value; and, when the difference between thevalue of height h of peak PR and the reference height value is above (orbelow) a given threshold value, control device 13′ emits an error signalindicating a fault relative to incorrect radial movement of seat 11.

FIG. 8 shows a reference curve C3 relative to a substantially fault-freedevice. FIG. 9 shows curve C1 for various seats 11. As shown clearly bya comparison of curves C1 and C3, the height h of peak PR relative toseat 11 is considerably greater than that of the corresponding peak incurve C3. In which case, device 13′ therefore emits an error signalindicating a fault relative to incorrect radial movement of seat 11.

For a clearer understanding of the operation of control device 13, FIGS.10-12 show a detail of machine 1 in various operating positions. Morespecifically, FIG. 10 shows the relative seat 11-sensor 14 position whenpeak PR is recorded; FIG. 11 shows the relative seat 11-sensor 14position when groove GR is recorded; and FIG. 12 shows the relative seat11-sensor 14 position when a peak PS smaller in height than peak PR isrecorded.

1) A diagnostic method for operating components (12) of a machine forprocessing substantially cylindrical tobacco articles (2); the machine(1) comprising a transfer device (5), which feeds the articles (2) alonga feed path (P1) from an input station (4) to an output station (6), andcomprises a number of housings (10, 10 a) oriented crosswise to the feedpath and each having at least two respective elongated seats (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, each seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at the input station (4),releasing the article (2) at the output station (6), and returning tothe input station (4) along a return path (P2); the machine (1)comprising at least one operating component (12) for moving two seats(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) of a respective housing (10 a) with respect toeach other as the seats (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) travel along the feed path(P1) and/or the return path (P2); and the method being characterized bycomprising a recording step, during which at least one proximity sensor(14, 14′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) relative to the position ofat least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) of said housing (10 a) withrespect to at least one reference position; a comparing step to comparethe recording signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR)to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC); and an analysis stepto determine at least one fault of the operating component (12) as afunction of the comparison data item (DC). 2) A method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the recording step is repeated a number of times todetermine a number of recording signals (S, Sa) relative to the positionof the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); the comparing step comprisingcalculating a mean of the recording signals (S, Sa) and comparing themean of the recording signals with the reference data item (DR) toobtain the comparison data item (DC). 3) A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the recording step is repeated a number of times to determine anumber of recording signals (S, Sa) relative to the position of the seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); the comparing step being repeated a number oftimes to obtain a number of comparison data items (DC); a mean of thecomparison data items (DC) being calculated during the analysis step;and the fault of the operating component (12) being determined as afunction of the mean of the comparison data items (DC). 4) A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a number of comparison data items (DC) areobtained over time; a time pattern of the comparison data items (DC) orof the means of the comparison data items (DC) being determined; and themethod comprising programming maintenance to correct said fault as afunction of the time pattern of the comparison data items (DC) or of themeans of the comparison data items (DC). 5) A method as claimed in claim4, wherein a test curve (K) is determined by which to extrapolate thetime pattern of the comparison data items (DC) or of the means of thecomparison data items (DC); and the method comprising programmingmaintenance as a function of the instant in which the test curve (K)intersects a first reference curve (R). 6) A method as claimed in claim1, wherein a number of recording signals (S, Sa) are recorded over time;a time pattern of the recording signals (S, Sa) or of the means of therecording signals (S, Sa) being determined; and the method comprisingprogramming maintenance to correct said fault as a function of the timepattern of the recording signals (S, Sa) or of the means of therecording signals. 7) A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a testcurve (K) is determined by which to extrapolate the time pattern of therecording signals (S, Sa) or of the means of the recording signals (S,Sa); and the method comprising programming maintenance as a function ofthe instant in which the test curve (K) intersects a first referencecurve (R). 8) A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the referencecurve (R) is substantially constant. 9) A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein, during the comparing step, the recording signal (S, Sa) isprocessed to obtain a response curve (C1) indicating distances betweenthe seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11 a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′) as afunction of machine angles of the transfer device (5); the responsecurve (C1) being compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtainthe comparison data item (DC). 10) A method as claimed in claim 9,wherein the reference data item (DR) comprises a reference curve (C2;C3); the response curve (C1) being compared with the reference curve(C2; C3) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 11) A method asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the response curve (C1) has a peak (PR)indicating the minimum distance between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11 a)and the proximity sensor (14, 14′); a neighbourhood of the peak (PR),having a respective area (A), being determined during the comparingstep; a mid-line (M), of the area (A) of the neighbourhood of the peak(PR), having a recorded machine angle (AM) being calculated; and thereference data item (DR) being compared with the recorded machine angle(AM) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 12) A method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the response curve has a groove (GR) indicating themaximum distance between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and theproximity sensor (14, 14′), and which has a recorded groove (GR) height(h′); the recorded groove (GR) height (h′) being compared with thereference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 13) Amethod as claimed in claim 9, wherein the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) hasan externally concave surface; the response curve (C1) beingsubstantially W-shaped. 14) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein therecording signal has a peak (PR) indicating the minimum distance betweenthe seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′);during the comparing step, the peak (PR) being compared with thereference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 15) Amethod as claimed in claim 14, wherein the peak is recorded at a minimummachine angle (T1); during the comparing step, the minimum machine angle(T1) being compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain thecomparison data item (DC). 16) A method as claimed in claim 14, whereinthe peak (PR) has a recorded peak height (h); and the recorded peak (PR)height (h) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain thecomparison data item (DC). 17) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein,during the comparing step, the recording signal (S, Sa) is processed toobtain a response curve (C1) indicating distances between the seat (11,11′, 11 a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′) as a function ofmachine angles of the transfer device (5); the response curve (C1)having different heights (h, h′) for different machine angles; at leastone height (h, h′) of the response curve (C1) being compared with thereference data item (DR) to obtain a comparison data item (DC) relativeto the distance between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and the proximitysensor (14, 14′); and at least one machine angle of the response curve(C1) being compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain acomparison data item (DC) indicating the position of the seat (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a) along the feed and/or return path (P1, P2). 18) A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the transfer device (5) comprises a conveyorroller (8) having a respective axis (9) of rotation; the seats (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a) being located on the periphery of the conveyor roller (8)and substantially parallel to the axis (9) of rotation. 19) A method asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said height (h, h′) of the response curve(C1) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain acomparison data item (DC) relative to a radial position of the seat (11,11′, 11 a, 11′a) with respect to the axis (9) of rotation; the machineangle of the response curve (C1) being compared with the reference dataitem (DR) to obtain a comparison data item (DC) indicating the angularposition of the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) with respect to the axis (9)of rotation. 20) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two seats(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) of said housing (10 a) are maintainedsubstantially coaxial with each other along the feed path (P1) and thereturn path (P2); the operating component (12) moving the two seats (11,11′, 11 a, 11′a) of the housing (10 a) axially with respect to eachother. 21) A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, along the feed path(P1) and/or the return path (P2), said operating component (12) rotatesand moves said seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) transversely. 22) A method asclaimed in claim 18, wherein, along the feed path (P1) and/or the returnpath (P2), said operating component (12) rotates said seat (11, 11′, 11a, 11 a) about an axis (16) crosswise to the axis (9) of rotation, andmoves said seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) substantially radially withrespect to the axis (9) of rotation. 23) A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the proximity sensor (14, 14′) is located along the return path(P2). 24) A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the proximity sensor(14, 14′) is located at the input station (4). 25) A method as claimedin claim 1, wherein the machine (1) comprises at least one furtherproximity sensor (14, 14′); during the recording step, the furtherproximity sensor (14, 14′) emitting a further recording signal (S, Sa)relative to the position of at least one further seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) of said housing (10 a); the reference data item comprising thefurther recording signal (S, Sa); and, during the comparing step, therecording signal (S, Sa) being compared with the further recordingsignal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 26) A method asclaimed in claim 25, wherein the reference data item (DR) comprises atleast one given data item; during the comparing step, the recordingsignal (S, Sa) being compared with the further recording signal (S, Sa)and the given data item to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 27) Adiagnostic method for operating components (12) of a machine (1) forprocessing articles (2); the machine (1) comprising a transfer device(5), which feeds the articles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an inputstation (4) to an output station (6), and comprises at least one seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12) formoving said seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, theseat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at theinput station (4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6),and returning to the input station along a return path (P2); and themethod being characterized by comprising a recording step, during whichat least one proximity sensor (14, 14′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa)relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) withrespect to at least one reference position; a comparing step to comparethe recording signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR)to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC); and an analysis stepto determine at least one fault of the operating component (12) as afunction of the comparison data item (DC); during the comparing step,the recording signal (S, Sa) being processed to obtain a response curve(C1) indicating distances between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11 a) and theproximity sensor (14, 14′) as a function of machine angles of thetransfer device (5); and the response curve (C1) being compared with thereference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 28) Adiagnostic method for operating components (12) of a machine (1) forprocessing articles (2); the machine (1) comprising a transfer device(5), which feeds the articles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an inputstation (4) to an output station (6), and comprises at least one seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12) formoving said seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, theseat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at theinput station (4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6),and returning to the input station (4) along a return path (P2); and themethod being characterized by comprising a recording step, during whichat least one proximity sensor (14, 14′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa)relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) withrespect to at least one reference position; a comparing step to comparethe recording signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR)to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC); and an analysis stepto determine at least one fault of the operating component (12) as afunction of the comparison data item (DC); during the comparing step,the recording signal (S, Sa) being processed to obtain a response curve(C1) indicating distances between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and theproximity sensor (14, 14′) as a function of machine angles of thetransfer device (5); the response curve (C1) having different heights(h, h′) for different machine angles; at least one height (h, h′) of theresponse curve being compared with the reference data item (DR) toobtain the comparison data item (DC) relative to the distance betweenthe seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′); andat least one machine angle (AM; T1) of the response curve being comparedwith the reference data item (DR) to obtain a comparison data item (DC)indicating the position of the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) along the feedand/or return path (P1, P2). 29) A diagnostic method for operatingcomponents (12) of a machine (1) for processing tobacco articles (2);the machine (1) comprising a transfer device (5), which feeds thetobacco articles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an input station (4) toan output station (6), and comprises at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) and at least one operating component (12, 12′) for moving saidseat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, the seat (11,11′, 11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at the inputstation (4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6), andreturning to the input station (4) along a return path (P2); and themethod being characterized by comprising a recording step, during whichat least one proximity sensor (14, 14′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa)relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) withrespect to at least one reference position; a comparing step to comparethe recording signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR)to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC); and an analysis stepto determine at least one fault of the operating component (12) as afunction of the comparison data item (DC); the machine comprising atleast one further proximity sensor (14, 14′); during the recording step,the further proximity sensor (14, 14′) emitting a further recordingsignal (S, Sa) relative to the position of at least one further seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); the reference data item (DR) comprising thefurther recording signal (S, Sa); and, during the comparing step, therecording signal (S, Sa) being compared with the further recordingsignal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 30) A method asclaimed in claim 29, wherein the reference data item (DR) comprises atleast one given data item; during the comparing step, the recordingsignal (S, Sa) being compared with the further recording signal (S, Sa)and the given data item to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 31) Amachine for processing substantially cylindrical tobacco articles (2);the machine (1) comprising a transfer device (5), which feeds thearticles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an input station (4) to anoutput station (6), and comprises a number of housings (10, 10 a)oriented crosswise to the feed path (P1) and each having at least tworespective elongated seats (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operatingcycle, each seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article(2) at the input station (4), releasing the article (2) at the outputstation (6), and returning to the input station (4) along a return path(P2); the machine comprising at least one operating component (12, 12′)for moving two seats (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) of a respective housing (10a) with respect to each other as the seats (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) travelalong the feed path (P1) and/or the return path (P2); and the machine(1) being characterized by comprising a control device (13), in turncomprising at least one proximity sensor (14, 14′) which emits arecording signal (S, Sa) relative to the position of at least one seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) of the housing (10 a) with respect to at least onereference position, and a computer (15) which compares the recordingsignal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain atleast one comparison data item (DC) and determine at least one fault ofthe operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item(DC). 32) A machine as claimed in claim 31, wherein the control device(13) implements a method as claimed in claim
 2. 33) A machine forprocessing articles (2); the machine (1) comprising a transfer device(5), which feeds the articles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an inputstation (4) to an output station (6), and comprises at least one seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12, 12′) formoving said seat; during each operating cycle, the seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at the input station (4),releasing the article (2) at the output station (6), and returning tothe input station (4) along a return path (P2); and the machine (1)being characterized by comprising a control device (13), in turncomprising a proximity sensor (14, 14′) which emits a recording signal(S, Sa) relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) of a housing (10 a) with respect to at least one referenceposition, and a computer (15) for comparing the recording signal (S, Sa)with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least onecomparison data item (DC), and for determining at least one fault of theoperating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC);the control device (13) comprising at least one further proximity sensor(14, 14′); the further proximity sensor (14, 14′) emitting a furtherrecording signal (S, Sa) relative to the position of at least onefurther seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); the reference data item comprisingthe further recording signal (S, Sa); and the computer comparing therecording signal (S, Sa) with the further recording signal (S, Sa) toobtain the comparison data item (DC). 34) A machine as claimed in claim33, wherein the reference data item (DR) comprises at least one givendata item; the computer (15) comparing the recording signal (S, Sa) withthe further recording signal (S, Sa) and the given data item to obtainthe comparison data item (DC). 35) A machine for processing articles(2); the machine (1) comprising a transfer device (5), which feeds thearticles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an input station (4) to anoutput station (6), and comprises at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) and at least one operating component (12) for moving said seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, the seat (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at the input station(4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6), and returningto the input station (4) along a return path (P2); and the machine (1)being characterized by comprising a control device (13), in turncomprising a proximity sensor (14, 14′) which emits a recording signal(S, Sa) relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) with respect to at least one reference position, and a computer(15) for comparing the recording signal (S, Sa) with at least onereference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item(DC), and for determining at least one fault of the operating component(12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC); the computer (15)processing the recording signal (S, Sa) to obtain a response curve (C1)indicating distances between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and theproximity sensor (14, 14′) as a function of machine angles of thetransfer device (5); and the response curve (C1) being compared with thereference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 36) Amachine for processing articles, the machine (1) comprising a transferdevice (5), which feeds the articles (2) along a feed path (P1) from aninput station (4) to an output station (6), and comprises at least oneseat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12) formoving said seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, theseat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at theinput station (4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6),and returning to the input station (4) along a return path (P2); and themachine (1) being characterized by comprising a control device (13), inturn comprising a proximity sensor (14, 14′) which emits a recordingsignal (S, Sa) relative to the position of at least one seat (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a) with respect to at least one reference position, and acomputer (15) for comparing the recording signal (S, Sa) with at leastone reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item(DC), and for determining at least one fault of the operating component(12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC); the computer (15)processing the recording signal (S, Sa) to obtain a response curve (C1)indicating distances between the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) and theproximity sensor (14, 14′) as a function of machine angles of thetransfer device (5); the response curve (C1) having different heights(h, h′) for different machine angles; the computer (15) comparing atleast one height (h, h′) of the response curve (C1) with the referencedata item (DR) to obtain a comparison data item (DC) relative to thedistance between the seat (S, Sa) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′);and the computer (15) comparing at least one machine angle (AM; T1) ofthe response curve with the reference data item to obtain a comparisondata item (DC) indicating the position of the seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a)along the feed and/or return path (P1, P2). 37) A diagnostic method foroperating components (12) of a machine (1) for processing articles (2);the machine (1) comprising a transfer device (5), which feeds thearticles (2) along a feed path (P1) from an input station (4) to anoutput station (6), and comprises at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a,11′a) and at least one operating component (12) for moving said seat(11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a); during each operating cycle, the seat (11, 11′,11 a, 11′a) picking up a respective article (2) at the input station(4), releasing the article (2) at the output station (6), and returningto the input station (4) along a return path (P2); and the method beingcharacterized by comprising a recording step, during which at least oneproximity sensor (14, 14′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) relative tothe position of at least one seat (11, 11′, 11 a, 11′a) with respect toat least one reference position; a comparing step to compare therecording signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) toobtain at least one comparison data item (DC); and an analysis step todetermine at least one fault of the operating component (12) as afunction of the comparison data item (DC); the recording signal (S, Sa)having a peak (PR) indicating the minimum distance between the seat (11,11′, 11 a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14′); and, during thecomparing step, the peak (PR) being compared with the reference dataitem (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 38) A control device(13) for producing a machine as claimed in claim 31.